How to Increase Machine Uptime

What is condition monitoring?

Condition Monitoring (CM) was coined ca. 1980, replacing and augmenting Non Destructive Testing

(NDT). Every machinery maintenance professional has heard of or applied the practice of machine

Condition Monitoring. It is the process of monitoring the condition of machinery whereby a

significant deviation from normal gives an indication that a fault is developing and is an important

component of predictive maintenance.

CM employs a variety of techniques for machine monitoring to ensure that they are lubricating

equipment properly, like used oil analysis, without interruption of the machine’s work or production.

CM methods, like lube testing, are closely allied with other terms such as Predictive Maintenance or

Proactive Maintenance, Reliability Centred Maintenance. The primary CM techniques being:

• Lubricant Oil Analysis – Inspection of an in-service oil analysis to ascertain machine and

lubricant health via lubricant contamination and degradation lubrication testing.

• Wear Debris Analysis – Similar to used oil analysis: the inspection of wear metals with oil

testing equipment to determine origin, wear mechanism and contamination levels.

• Vibration Signature Analysis – Acoustic Sensors or accelerometers signal machine trauma,

such as damage to bearing races, cracks or poor lubrication supply.

All these philosophies help prevent unplanned breakdown and maximise plant availability. All

require buy-in at the plant equipment maintenance level, an efficient system, and timely

information.

The benefits of using condition monitoring

By using condition monitoring methods, maintenance can be scheduled or other preventative

actions can be taken to avoid potential machinery failure. Consequently, this will help prevent

unscheduled maintenance, maximise plant availability and reduce associated costs.

A good CM program, like oil testing and lubricant analysis can offer potential savings ranging from 10

– 50 times the cost. Lubricating equipment is essential to maintenance and proper function. Used oil

analysis allows you to ensure proper lubrication.

How Parker Kittiwake technology can be used to increase machine uptime

Parker Kittiwake operate a group structure with product specialisation around in-service oils and

fuels, emissions monitoring, vibration and Acoustic Emissions (AE).

Parker Kittiwake’s condition monitoring equipment provides early indication of fault or failure in

your plant equipment including:

Used Oil Analysis

• Sensors for 24/7 monitoring of key indicators. These sensors can be used for high value,

production critical assets where failure is either unpredictable or disruptive. A typical use

would be Top Drives in the Oil and Gas exploration industry.

• Used Oil Analysis Kits for more comprehensive coverage and suitable for use by

maintenance personnel. Provides indicative results on oil condition for trending a wide

range of assets. A typical use would be for main and auxiliary marine engines.

• Used Oil Analysis Labs for laboratory accuracy and direct comparison with, or replacement

for, used oil analysis laboratories. For use in remote plants as a dedicated and centralised

asset protection. A typical use would be in remote mine sites.

Bunker Fuel

• On-site Fuel Labs. Marine fuel is tested on-site for quantity and quality. Parker Kittiwake

supply a range of on-site fuel testing equipment with a solid track record of use in marine

and power plant applications.

• Bunker Sample and Drip Samplers. Parker Kittiwake offer comprehensive and economically

priced offerings for sampling and storing of marine and power plant fuel deliveries.

Wear Metals

• On-line Sensors providing plant engineers and maintenance managers with real time,

continuously monitored testing and wear debris analysis data for critical plant and

equipment

• On-site Ferrography Labs. Sensitive yet rugged magnetometers for on-site field and

laboratory use providing immediate identification of ferrous contamination.

Acoustic Emissions

• Portable Instruments for on-site, real time condition monitoring. Record & replay readings

from pre-planned routes.

• On-line acoustic sensors provide a means of continuous condition based maintenance in

either Standard or Super Slo signal processing modes.

For more information please visit us at www.kittiwake.com.

Contact us on +44 (0) 1903 731470 or sales@kittiwake.com